Survey: HSA participants are more engaged in managing their health

NEW YORK — Employees who contribute to health savings accounts generally become more engaged in managing their health after enrolling, according to a survey conducted by Buck Consultants, a Xerox Company.

For example, 51% of respondents set aside more money for potential medical costs than before they had HSAs. As many as 29% have more discussions with their doctors about the cost of care and 13% more actively manage their chronic disease.

HSA members are responsible for a greater portion of their health costs, so they expect tools to help them make informed, rational decisions. When ranking important HSA product features, 44% of respondents ranked the ability to view claims on the HSA site as most important. They ranked paying medical claims on the HSA member portal second at 35%.

“HSA members are making wiser health care decisions,” Klavohn said. “They are evaluating costs more closely before receiving care, shopping for lower priced drugs and choosing less costly services. They attribute their changed behavior to owning an HSA.”

The BenefitWallet: 2013 Member Survey Report found that the vast majority (90%) of HSA members obtain medical coverage through their employer. And more employers are contributing to HSAs (75%).

The survey, which polled more than 23,000 members of BenefitWallet, identifies behaviors, opinions and demographics of individuals who own HSAs.

Poll

Poll

Which of the current U.S. Presidential hopefuls do you think would be best for your business?

Hillary Clinton

Jeb Bush

Donald Trump

Ted Cruz

Ben Carson

Scott Walker

Marco Rubio

Rand Paul

Chris Christie

Mike Huckabee

SPECIAL REPORTS

Pharmacy’s battle for recognition continues

Fifty years ago this summer, President Lyndon B. Johnson secured his place in history by signing into law the legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid. To commemorate the anniversary, Drug Store News has put together an exclusive report on the effect that Medicare and Medicaid have had on the retail pharmacy industry and how it has transformed the role of the pharmacist. more...

IN THIS ISSUE

In this issue, DSN profiles Rite Aid and how the company is achieving a vision to become a retail healthcare company that delivers a higher level of care to its communities; takes you on a tour of Sears; offers insight into millennial shoppers and more. Click here to view the issue.